SFF 2010 Wrap Up

The Sydney Film Festival always seems to come around at exactly the right time of year doesn’t it? Summer’s over, the cold and the rain are starting to set in and just as I’m starting to feel a bit down and lost wondering what the hell us Sydneysiders ever did to fill in our weekends during last winter – the Sydney Film Festival arrives! And for almost 2 weeks in early June each year, life seems perfectly fulfilling again. The Sydney Film Festival can’t really be drawing to a close already can it? I am in denial. So what am I going to miss most?

Firstly, flipping through the SFF program and reading through each of the film summaries in eager anticipation as I wonder how on earth I’m ever going to fit in all of the films I want to see.

Secondly, the free Festival Talks in the Statement lounge that I found educational and often inspirational and a great way to fill in time before movies.

Thirdly, when time is tight between films, and the tummy is rumbling – the potato and leek soup from the State Theatre coffee cart totally hits the spot.

Fourthly, sharing thoughts and perspectives with random strangers in the bathroom queue about the film we just watched.

And finally, of course, the chance to hang out with friends and family whilst enjoying so many interesting, thought-provoking, and unique local and international films – an experience that is often hard to find in Sydney outside of festival time. The documentaries left the most lasting impression on me this year. In particular, I was enthralled by the stories and the people profiled in –

• The Oath
• Bill Cunningham – New York
• The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg & the Pentagon Papers
• And in terms of feature films, I also loved, loved, loved –
• Life During Wartime
• If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle, and
• The Refuge

So as you’ve probably gathered, I’m REALLY going to miss the festival, but just to ease the pain a little, there are definitely a few things I won’t miss: the particularly uncomfy chairs in the dress circle at the State Theatre; queuing up for the ladies at the end of a film; and spending so many hours locked up with so many flu-ridden Sydneysiders as they cough and sneeze their way through the screenings. Regardless of those little niggles, I’m already full of anticipation for next year’s festival.

And given the success of this year’s festival (66 sold out films and 20% up on takings!) there are certainly expectations for an equally successful festival next year but no doubt the SFF team will deliver again! But for now, there’s no more denying it. Sydney Film Festival 2010 is over for another year. So I’ll have to find something else to do with my time. Maybe I’ll take up smoking?

As they say on set – And that’s a wrap.